Sicily

While still strictly a part of Italy, the island of Sicily occupies that strange cultural quagmire that finds itself in between European sensibilities and its various other influences. But Sicily possesses an ornate sense of history that justifies every bit of its self-made cultural separation, which simultaneously endows it with unique qualities that irresistibly beckon a visit from mainland counterparts.

Sicily Tradition & Culture

The first respect in which Sicily differs from the mainland Italy is in language, where Sicilian is predominantly spoken and Italian is secondary.

The composition of the language, which boasts Spanish, French and even Arabic influences is only further testament to the unique qualities of the destination.

Aside from Christian festivals such as lent, which are widely practiced, regional events - such as La Festa di Sant'Agata a Catania and The Feast of Madonna del Mirto - are more commonplace and make for an entirely unique experience for tourists.

Sicily Recommended

As with the mainland, food is one of the national treasures and there is no shortage of dishes for visitors to enjoy. Perhaps more so than popular tourist destinations on the mainland however, the endless array of culturally -influenced cuisine across Sicily's different regions perhaps typify most poignantly the subtle variations in the Italian palette.

In testament to its tumultuous and conquered past, the Arabic inspired Cassata is a favourite among Sicilians, who possess a notorious sweet-tooth. Filled rice balls called Arancini are unique to the island and are well worth a try, as are the granita fruit-ice mixes.

Cycling is an excellent way to get around in and see the islands' various sites with highlights such as the remote Temple of Concord. However, cheap car hire is also available for those preferring a less strenuous travel experience.

However for food lovers, a holiday in Sicily is not complete without a trip to its fresh food markets that populate even the most remote locations.

Other highlights include the mysterious smoking volcano Etna, the Teatro Greco theatre and the impressive Monreale cathedral boasting stunning medieval mosaics.

Sicily Weather

Located to the south of Europe, the weather is predominantly hot and dry, with regional variations according to location and terrain. For example, Messina's coastal mountain location means it is cooler than the eastern city of Catania, which sits in the shadow of Mount Etna. The port city of Palermo by comparison tends to have less rainfall, allowing visitors to enjoy the medieval architecture in comfort all year round.

Sicily Check List

A phrase book is a must, with the majority of Sicilians not well-versed in English. However, Italian, and occasionally French, is likely to suffice for those unable to find a Sicilian dictionary.

The Euro is the currency of Sicily, which is one hour ahead of GMT. The international dialing code is +39.